Monthly Archives: June 2016

Courtesy of Karen Raasch from Continuum Pedicure Spas Coming into the spa industry as a business owner can have its challenges. First there is the need to have a business strategy. Are you offering something distinguished from competitors? What sets your salon and spa apart from others? Then there is the need to keep up with evolving spa trends. New product lines, services and techniques are dime a dozen. How will you integrate fashion fads into your business without veering from your vision and mission? Ask yourself questions like these when learning how to differentiate your business. 1. Do you understand your spa’s identity? From décor to product lines and services, your spa has strengths that are unique to your business. Consider the specialties of your staff compared to other establishments in the area. What do you do well and differently? What are your specialties? Promote and master this niche first before expanding upon your skills and services. 2. Do you know your spa’s story? Practice telling the story of how your spa came to be and why it is special, in a concise and engaging way. Share your long term vision for the spa in the community. Will you partner with health practitioners, nutritionists or a non-profit organization? Also provide information about the origins of your treatments and the products you use—especially if they are local. If your salon has salon equipment and products that are Eco-Friendly, point out that your salon practices are saving resources as noted by your selection of products and equipment. 3. Have you identified your market? Every spa attracts a different kind of customer. Who is your targeted client? A successful spa will not only meet its customers’ needs but also exceed them and provide an experience they cannot receive elsewhere. Design your décor, service menu, retail offerings and environment accordingly.

Designed for Success! Every decision made in your Spa is intended to create success: profitability and competitiveness for the spa, great experiences for your clients, sustainability for the spa, your staff and our planet. Successful decisions take the breadth of your experience combined with the experience of many others. Your equipment manufacturers can and should be an important part of your team. The first step is to choose the right manufacturer, one with a solid reputation and experience in designing and building products for spas. One whose product engineering ensures longevity, ease of repair, ergonomics and client comfort will serve you best. The initial purchase price may be higher, but their success is proof of long term value and return on investment. Look for companies that have won awards in the market place and can provide references from other successful spas. Don't forget to look for the company's commitment to the environment. Do they offer FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) products, CFC free foams, non-vinyl upholstery fabrics? Companies committed to doing their best most likely produce the greenest products: products that are designed to last. When you are making such a purchase, you’ll want one that satisfies all of the needs of the people who experience it: client, therapist, spa owner, and even the maintenance team. Let’s consider the priorities and all the points of view. The client is the center of all things, your major focus. Comfort is paramount, safety in mounting and dismounting the table, sense of security, serene and harmonious service, and appealing aesthetics are the major concerns. Great padding ensures both comfort for the client and good access for the therapist. This is starting to change, with 4" and even 6" high quality padding options available. The thickness itself is only one criterion. Is it supportive and resilient enough to eliminate pressure on sensitive breasts and bony areas? Does

Medical Spas are an appealing way for physicians to expand their medical practices while increasing private pay revenue. According to Spa Finders, Inc., the first medical spa opened in a hospital in 2000 and there are now over 600 of them in this country. Medical spas are said to be the fastest growing segment in the industry, according to the International Spa Association (ISPA). The International Medical Spa Society says that people spend an average of $720 per visit to a Medical Spa versus $150 spent by those who visit a traditional day spa. Many Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons, Dermatologists and even OB/GYN physicians have begun adding Medical Spa services to their repertoire because these services are the perfect complement to the care delivered in their primary practices. They also help grow sources of revenue from both existing patients, as well as new clients who may also become patients. The key in a Medical Spa is that the experience is not just about clinical expertise. Luxury plays a very important role. When someone visits a Medical Spa for an extravagant treatment, they want– and will pay for – a luxurious experience that meets their expectations. This means that their surroundings and, in particular, the equipment on which they are positioned must convey a sense of luxury. Equipment tends to be sparse and clinical in appearance. A visit to a Medical Spa must be Luxurious in every way… from furniture and equipment, to a décor that is both soothing and opulent, to the staff who will assure the client an unforgettable experience. Selecting the right positioning equipment, like tables and chairs, is far more than an economic decision. Making the right choices will have a positive effect on both your medical Spa’s efficiency and esthetics, which will result in a growing and highly profitable clientele. Here are some factors to keep in mind before making your investment: Is it versatile?